“Will listen to offers”: Now is Liverpool’s chance to finally sign £86m player

Barcelona could be open to offers for Ronald Araujo, who has previously been linked with Liverpool.

Araujo is considered one of La Liga's best defenders and among the highest-value centre-backs in Europe.

However, the Catalan club might be willing to part with him this summer.

With Liverpool set to see Joel Matip leave due to his expiring contract, the potential arrival of a new manager, and reports indicating the need for a new defender, the timing of this development is notable.

What's the story?

Araujo, who was linked with Liverpool last in December 2023, would be an incredible signing for the Reds if they want to finally make their move.

Now, a report from Spanish outlet Sport states that Araujo is no longer viewed as 'untouchable' by Barcelona, suggesting that they are open to listening to offers for the Uruguayan defender.

With two years left on his contract, Barcelona could consider selling him for a substantial fee, with the rumoured asking price at around €100 million (£86M).

Apart from Liverpool, both Manchester United and Bayern Munich have shown interest in Araujo.

Liverpool had shown interest in Araujo as recently as the end of 2023, and Araujo himself mentioned that Premier League clubs were keen on him when he signed a new contract with Barcelona in 2022.

Despite his importance to Barcelona, the rise of 17-year-old academy prospect Pau Cubarsi, coupled with other defensive options like Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Marcos Alonso, could make it easier for Barcelona to accept a lucrative offer for Araujo.

His red card in the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, which contributed to Barcelona's collapse after having a 4-2 lead, has been a point of criticism.

Why would Liverpool sign Araujo?

It's not just Araujo that Liverpool want as the Reds are linked with top centre-backs with increasing regularity.

It could be due to the imminent transfer window this summer but likely has to do with Matip leaving for free, Ibrahima Konate's proneness to injuries and Virgil van Dijk ageing.

The club captain is 32 and while he appears to be at his imperious best after recovering from his 2020 ACL tear, Liverpool need to do their due diligence in the transfer market.

Of the centre-backs linked, Araujo is the most exciting in my opinion.

He's got it all. Pace, power, technical ability, arrogance and now the experience. He would be fully worth an £86 million transfer fee if that's truly Barca's price for him.